RESOURCES

Ministry of Justice

Victims and Witnesses of Crime and Violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence - It's Never OK

The DomesticViolenceBC.ca website was developed specifically for victims of domestic violence. It defines domestic violence, tells you the steps you need to take when seeking help, where to find help and how to stay safe. There is also a specific section for Teens.

Domestic violence is any form of violent or abusive behaviour that happens in intimate relationships (marriage, common law, family, dating, friends) or after such a relationship ends.

Domestic violence can also occur in situations where one family member has sponsored another family member to immigrate to Canada. The issues around domestic violence in this kind of a relationship can be very complex.

Being in a relationship does not give anyone the right to be violent. Incidents of violence or abuse can happen once or many times during the relationship and after the relationship ends. Signs of violence or abuse include:

  • physical violence (hitting, shoving, restraining, slapping)
  • stalking or threatening
  • sexual abuse
  • controlling or intimidation (hurting or threatening to hurt a pet, threatening to hurt someone else, threatening to commit suicide, destroying property or stealing money, neglect, exploitation or financial deprivation)
  • mental abuse (put downs, name-calling, insults, rejection, belittling, isolation)

Visit the DomesticViolenceBC website for full information on this topic and the many services in B.C. available to help.

For immediate crisis response to victims of domestic violence contact VictimLink BC 1 800 563-0808.

Suggested Reading:

Help, Hope and Healing

Series of four publications providing information, tips and some resources for those in abusive relationships.

Services for Women Fleeing Abuse

Fact sheet of information for women in the lower mainland area.

For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Restraining Orders

This booklet is written for women, living in B.C., who need protection from a man they are, or have been, in an intimate relationship with. However, the information also applies to people in same-sex relationships and to met who need protection from their female partners or ex-partners.

Community Tools / Other Related Information

For Domestic Violence policy documents see Publications page.